Brad Marchand (foot) expects to play on Saturday vs. Rangers

Posted By
DJ Bean
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October 23, 2010 @ 1:19 pm
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General |
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Taking an Alexander Ovechkin shot off the foot isn’t one of the NHL[1] feats a player hopes to accomplish in their career, but as of Thursday, Bruins fourth-line winger Brad Marchand[2], like it or not, finds himself among the group of players to do so. Marchand was limited to two shifts after the occurrence and sat out Friday’s practice. He was on the ice for Thursday’s morning skate, however, and said afterwards that he feels he’s good to go.

“I feel a lot better today. It was nice to have that day off yesterday to rest my foot up, and it felt good when I was out there today,” Marchand said, later adding that “it’s a little tender, but I’ll be able to go tonight.”

Asked where the shot hit him, Marchand seemed apologetic in answering, “somewhere in the foot.” Though he didn’t seem overly concerned with the foot on Saturday, he admitted that the same couldn’t be said for how he felt Thursday.

“I couldn’t put any pressure on it when I was on the ice, and it just went numb. Guys have told me before that when you break your feet and your hands, it just goes numb, so I was kind of panicking at that point in time,” Marchand said. “I got back to the room, started to get some more feeling back as time went on, but I was just more scared when it was broken.”

Reporters have been hard-pressed to find certainty regarding who they can expect to play in net each night, but Claude Julien[3] was more than accommodating in commenting on Marchand’s status. The coach seemed optimistic as the team prepares to take on the Rangers in their second game at the Garden.

“He seems good,” Julien said. “This morning I talked to him again and he felt good, and obviously we’ll make that final decision after warm-ups if there is an issue. If not, he’ll be in the lineup.”

The verdict: He should play unless the pain comes back.

“I can’t afford to miss any games and sit out,” Marchand said. “It’s not that bad.”